Work-Related Discrimination

Young Women Work-Related Discrimination Variables

Questions on work-related discrimination were fielded in 1972, 1978-83, 1988, 1995, and 2001. In general, respondents indicated whether they had experienced a particular type of discrimination (age, race, religion, nationality, or sex). If a respondent experienced any type of discrimination, a follow-up question elicited information on the type(s) of discriminatory practice experienced (e.g., the respondent believed that she was not hired, interviewed, or promoted; was demoted or laid off; or was paid less for the same work). The 1988 survey contained an expanded discrimination section that asked respondents about steps they had taken to resolve the problem and the eventual outcome. This interview also expanded the categories of discriminatory practices to include performance evaluations and relations with coworkers or supervisors.

As Table YW1 indicates, information on the various types of work-related discrimination and discriminatory practices was collected across survey years. The reference period of most work-related discrimination questions was the five-year period preceding each interview; in the 1972, 1982, and 1995 survey years, a shorter two-year interval was referenced.

Table YW1. Types of Work-Related Discrimination Data by Survey Year

Type of Discrimination

1972

1978

1980

1982

1983

1988

1995

2001

Age

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

Sex

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

Race

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

Religion

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

Nationality

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

Marital Status

*

*

*

*

*

Health/Handicap/Disability

*

*

*

*

*

Weight

*

*

Sexual Orientation

*

*

AIDS

*

*

Survey Instruments: Discrimination questions can be found in the "Retrospective Work History," "Attitudes," "Work Attitudes," and "Work History" sections of the questionnaires.

User Notes

From 1978-91, the format of the discrimination questions shifted from a single "most important" response to that of a "mark all that apply." These multiple responses were originally coded in a geometric progression; users should refer to Appendix C for more information. In 1995, the question format shifted again; respondents were asked to give a yes or no response for each type of discrimination. Therefore, answers were no longer coded in a geometric progression.

Mature Women Work-Related Discrimination Variables

Questions on work-related discrimination were fielded in 1972, 1977, 1982, 1987, 1989, 1995, and 2001. In general, respondents indicated whether they had experienced a particular type of discrimination (age, race, religion, nationality, or sex). If a respondent experienced any type of discrimination, a follow-up question elicited information on the type(s) of discriminatory practice experienced (e.g., the respondent believed that she was not hired, interviewed, or promoted; was demoted or laid off; or was paid less for the same work).

As Table MW1 indicates, information on the various types of work-related discrimination and discriminatory practices has been collected across survey years. The reference period for 1972-89 was the five-year period preceding each interview. In 1995 and 2001, the reference period was since the date of last interview.

Table MW1. Types of Work-Related Discrimination Data by Survey Year

Type of Discrimination

1972

1977

1982

1987

1989

1995

2001

Age

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

Sex

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

Race

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

Religion

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

Nationality

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

Marital Status

*

*

*

*

*

*

Health/Handicap/Disability

*

*

*

*

*

*

Weight

*

Sexual Orientation

*

AIDS

*

Survey Instruments: Discrimination questions can be found in the "Retrospective Work History," "Work Attitudes," and "Attitudes" sections of the questionnaires.

User Notes

From 1982-89, the format of the discrimination questions shifted from a single "most important" response to that of a "mark all that apply." These multiple responses were originally coded in a geometric progression; users should refer to Appendix C for more information. In 1995, the question format shifted again; respondents were asked to give a yes or no response for each type of discrimination. Therefore, answers are no longer coded in a geometric progression.